987-02516A Hinged Mulch Plug Compatible with Bolens Craftsman Husky Troy Bilt MTD Replacement 987-02516, 687-02516A, 687-02516

What It Is

The 987-02516A hinged mulch plug blocks the side-discharge chute on select MTD-brand lawn tractors, forcing grass clippings to recirculate under the deck for finer mulching. It’s designed for 42-inch and 46-inch cutting decks on Bolens, Craftsman, Husky, Troy-Bilt, and MTD models.

Fitment & Compatibility

Before buying, check your deck size (42" or 46") and model series. This plug replaces OEM part numbers 987-02516, 687-02516A, and 687-02516. It fits most MTD-built tractors with stamped steel decks from the mid-2000s onward, but not all—verify your deck’s side-discharge opening width (measure roughly 6” x 4”) and hinge pin location. Avoid assuming compatibility based on brand alone; cross-reference your tractor’s model number with MTD’s parts lookup. It will not fit zero-turn mowers or decks with a dedicated mulch plate system.

Key Things to Buy

• Quality: Made from durable plastic with a metal hinge pin. Some users report the hinge pin can rust or break after a few seasons—consider applying grease or replacing with a stainless steel pin.
• Installation: Tool-free—just lift the discharge deflector, slide the plug into the chute, and snap the hinge over the pin. Takes under 2 minutes.
• Common Gotchas: The plug may not seal perfectly on decks with bent or misaligned chutes, causing clippings to escape. Also, it won’t work if your deck uses a separate mulch plate that attaches under the deck (this is a chute plug only).
• Performance: Works best with a mulching blade kit—without it, you’ll get clumping and uneven cut on tall or wet grass.

Should You Buy It

If you have a compatible 42” or 46” MTD deck and want a cheap, fast way to switch from side-discharge to mulching, this plug is a solid buy. It’s not a permanent solution for heavy-duty mulching, but for occasional use or light lawns, it’s effective and easy to install. Skip it if you need a full mulching kit or have a non-MTD deck.